Top 4 Body Blunders in the Job Interview
January 08, 2009 (11:00AM) by Brianna Raymond, CPRW
Despite what you may have assumed about the term body blunders, I'm not talking about passing gas – though you should try REALLY hard not to let that happen in an interview. I'm talking about your body language and the signals your movements send. Here's a short list of the biggest body blunders that could ruin your interview – no matter how skilled or qualified you are.
- Dodgy eye contact. Like when you were a child and your mother accused you of stealing a candy bar from the grocery store – you know you did it, but you don't want to admit it, so you look at the floor, the ceiling, her shoes – anywhere but her eyes. Similarly, if you don't make eye contact in the interview, your words will lack credibility and you'll be less likely to get your point across strongly.
- Nervous twitching. Rubbing your nose. Scratching your arm. Bouncing your leg. Adjusting your seat. Laughing inappropriately. Doing one of these things in limited quantity shouldn't make an impact on the interviewer's opinion of you. But doing all of them (or a few of them repeatedly) during the entire interview will definitely leave the interviewers talking about you – and not in a good way.
- Too many um's, ah's, and like's. Shooting glances around the room and inserting seven "um's" in a ten-word sentence, or saying "like" after every other word will show that you a) are a poor communicator, and b) don't believe in what you're saying. Maybe neither of these is true, but your nerves will indicate otherwise.
- Blabbering. If you don't pay attention to exactly what the interviewer is asking, you're more inclined to ramble through your answer. I recently overheard two managers whose main complaint about a job candidate they'd just interviewed was that he went on for what seemed like an eternity, responding to a question that should have only taken a couple of sentences to answer. Word of advice: Don't do that.
So how do you avoid these blunders? Simple: Do the opposite of each function. Maintain eye contact, sit still, speak well, and be precise.
You may have the skills and experience they're looking for, but many times the one who gets the job offer is the one they like.
Are there any other actions you can think of that would send the wrong signal? Let me know what I missed in the comments below.
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I found your article interesting. I went on a job interview yesterday. I felt as if most of my communications w/ the director were okay, but I ended up feeling as if I weren't too sure I gave professional enough answers. I've been mostly a stay-at-home mom, w/ only a little bit of current job experience. The woman interviewing me commented on how much she like me, and wanted to know if I was interested in a much bigger role in this company. I believe the reason I was invited to a bigger job, has to do w/all the eye contact I maintained, my appearance, and how much I smiled and even joked w/ her when appropriate! She did comment on how personality and ability to listen to others was a big part of the job. Now I simply must decide between two very different jobs in this large company that I am being considered for!
Thank you Kristen for your comments. I have been a business owner for over 20 years. Going for an interview IS like going for a first job for me almost! I too am likeable and ramble when appropriate. I wonder if your age has anything to do with the openess and frankness some different generations have is the differance? Glad to hear it as well since if you had been out of the work force and get 2 thats great!
Okay. So, you do all the right things: maintain eye contact, sit still, speak well, and be precise. They like you and give you the job. So what happens when the real you starts coming out because there are other attributes to a person other than those mentioned.
How do you respond to being a team-player when you would really rather work by yourself? I don't mind doing the work, but some members don't do their share or any at all (had to share the A). Then there is the leader that was put in charge, but doesn't do her share; and doesn't turn in the project and blames you - Had to take a C+ on that one.
I know I can deliver, but I don't have control over the others that have part of the whole project.
What ever happened to hiring the candidate with the most skills suited for the position? Why is getting a job dependent on how you look or who you know? I've worked with so many people that have all the sizzle and no steak. When it comes down to it they look great but have no skill.
I'm old. While I don't intend to mention this in my cover letter or elsewhere, I'm faced with the fact that there are many younger employees who have bubbling personalities that I simply don't have. I don't even have a favorite exercise when some of the applicants are body builders.
All my private time goes into either my relationship with a woman or my book, which is only in the research stage.
So how do I compete with such applicants in a company that likes the cream of the crop?
Ken, my suggestion would be to emphasize those qualities that one aquires with age such as dependability, good judgement, business acumen and the ability to react appropriately in a wide variety of situations, like a fire or onsite accident. Stress that you maintain "grace under fire" and can meet deadlines. If you have other attributes, such as longevity with a company rather than "job hopping" or you only took 1 sick day last year, by all means tell the interviewer.
I'm older too and what I'm hearing from interviewers a lot is that they are not as enchanted with young people as we may think. The common complaints I've heard is that young people call out too much, talk on cell phones all day or text message, play on the computer, come in late and don't convey the impression that they take their jobs seriously. I've also had more than one employer tell me that there are too many drama queens in their company and they really dislike drama. These are all behaviors in which older workers rarely engage (yes, I know, there are exceptions to everything; I am just make a broad statement based on the interviews I've been on in the past 3 years).
I would add also that if you are not a bubbly personality, that's fine -- just don't apply for jobs where that would be a requirement such as a hotel desk clerk or flight attendant.
I agree with the other statements that hiring decisions should not be based on whether or not someone is attractive or what they're wearing but that is often a reality. I found it helpful to research companies who have a history of employing a diverse workforce. If your area publishes a "Top 10 Companies to Work For List," those are quite informative. Such lists are available on a national level, too.
Good luck.
Have been enjoying the tips I come across on this website. I volunteer with a church group that offers counseling to the unemploymed or underemployed for free. I am also seeking a career change. The counsel I come across in this network is very sound and contemporary. Appreciate your services.
It is important to relax. It will help you ease your nerves and also gives an opportunity to assess the interviewers. Try to sit straight with your arms rested on arm-rests. You may lean forward a bit while listening to the interviewer. It will give the feeling of attentiveness. If there are no arm-rests, use the table to rest your arms. Do not stretch your hands completely on to the table. Stretch them just enough to give some base to your hands and wrists. Do not bend forward or droop. Well, if there is no table in front of you, just cross your legs and place your clasped palms on your crossed legs.
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